Power Supplies For Pool And Spa Equipment

ABSTRACT

Power supplies for pool and spa equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply includes a buoyant housing, a peripheral float, at least one solar cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy, and a power cable for interconnecting the power supply and pool/spa equipment. In other embodiments, first and second inductive power couplings are provided for powering pool and spa equipment. The power couplings can also be installed using existing plumbing features of the pool or spa.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/538,522 filed on Aug. 12, 2019, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/359,016filed on Nov. 22, 2016 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,381,872), which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/316,161filed on Dec. 9, 2011 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,502,907), which claimsthe benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/421,912 filed on Dec. 10, 2010, the disclosures of all of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to power supplies, and specifically, powersupplies for pool and spa equipment.

Related Art

Various types of equipment are available for pools and spas. Often, suchequipment is powered electrically. One example is a pool cleaner, whichautomatically cleans the underwater surfaces of a pool or spa. Such adevice can be powered hydraulically (e.g., by a hose connected to thereturn line of a pool or spa filter and pump), or electrically. Also,such a device can float to the surface of pool/spa water, for cleaningsame.

In the case of an electrically-powered underwater pool cleaner,electrical power is delivered to the cleaner by a low-voltage cableconnected between the pool cleaner and a power supply external to thepool or spa. Because the power supply is located external to the pool orspa, it is necessary for the cable connecting the pool cleaner and thepower supply to extend out of the pool and, often, across a peripheralconcrete walkway surrounding most pools. This can be unsightly.

Self-contained, battery-powered, underwater pool cleaners do exist, andobviate the need for an external power supply and a cableinterconnecting the pool cleaner with an external power supply. However,only a limited amount of power is available to the pool cleaner, due tothe limited capacity of the cleaner's on-board battery. As a result, thepool cleaner must be periodically recharged, which often requiresremoving the pool cleaner from the pool before each recharging.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to power supplies for pool and spaequipment. In one embodiment, the power supply includes a buoyanthousing, a peripheral float, at least one photovoltaic (solar) cellpositioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and convertingsame to electrical energy, and a power cable for interconnecting thepower supply and pool/spa equipment (e.g., an underwater pool cleaner)and for transmitting electrical energy generated by the solar cells tothe equipment to power same. Optionally, the power supply could includeone or more rechargeable batteries for storing electrical energygenerated by the solar cells and powering the pool/spa equipment duringperiods of low or no sunlight.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides inductive powercouplings positioned in the walls or floor of a pool or spa, forproviding power to an underwater device (such as an underwater cleaner).The inductive power coupling in the wall or floor includes an inductorcircuit powered by an associated power supply unit. An underwater device(e.g., a pool cleaner) could be connected to a complementary inductivepower coupling which includes an inductor circuit. The complementaryinductive power coupling of the underwater device can be inserted intothe inductive power coupling of the pool/spa. Mating of the inductivepower couplings allows energy to be wirelessly transferred from thefirst inductor circuit to the second inductor circuit through anelectromagnetic field, to supply the underwater device with electricalpower. Optionally, the inductive power couplings could be shaped as flatcouplings, and/or they could include magnets located on the peripheriesof the couplings for magnetically coupling the components.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an inductiveelement, e.g., conduit or cable, which could be buried within a pool orspa floor or wall. This creates an electromagnetic field surrounding theinductive element, for wirelessly transmitting energy to an inductivecircuit on-board an underwater device (e.g., to an underwater cleaneroperated along the pool or spa floor or wall).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides inductive powercouplings that can be installed in an existing plumbing fixture of apool or a spa, for providing power to a pool or spa device (such as acleaner). For example, the power coupling can be installed (retrofitted)into an existing suction outlet (and associated pipe) in a pool or aspa, to provide electrical power via such an outlet. An underwaterdevice (e.g., a pool cleaner) could be connected to a complementaryinductive power coupling which includes an inductor circuit. Thecomplementary inductive power coupling of the underwater device can beinserted into the suction outlet and coupled with the inductive powercoupling installed in the suction outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing Detailed Description of the Invention, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1-2 are perspective and top views, respectively, of the floatingpower supply of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2,showing construction of the floating power supply of the presentinvention in greater detail;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing circuitry of the floating powersupply of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the floating power supply of the presentinvention, connected to an underwater electric pool cleaner;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the floating powersupply of the present invention which includes on-board surface skimmingfeatures;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the floating power supplyshown in FIG. 6, taken along the line 7-7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram showing inductive power couplings of thepresent invention connected to a power supply unit;

FIGS. 9A-9C are perspective, top, and side views, respectively, showingthe inductive couplings of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10C are perspective, top, and cross-sectional views,respectively, of the complementary inductive couplings of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11A-11C are perspective, top, and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of the inductive couplings of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 12A-12C are perspective and top views, respectively, of anotherembodiment of the complementary inductive power couplings of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 13A-13B are side views of the present invention showing mating ofthe inductive power couplers;

FIG. 14 is a side view showing the an underwater device being powered bythe buried inductive power conduit or cable of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram showing circuitry of thepower supply unit of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram showing circuitry of anunderwater pool cleaner which includes an inductive coupling inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of the presentinvention, showing an inductive power coupling provided in an existingplumbing fixture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to power supplies for pool and spaequipment, as discussed in detail below in connection with FIGS. 1-17.

FIGS. 1-2 are perspective and top views, respectively, of the floatingpower supply 10 of the present invention. The power supply 10 includes abuoyant housing 12, a power cord 24 a connected to the buoyant housing12, an optional radio frequency antenna 26 for allowing wirelesscommunication with a device connected to the power supply 10, and acoupling 24 b for connection with pool or spa equipment, such as anunderwater pool cleaner. The buoyant housing 12 includes peripheralfloat sections 14 a-14 d, angled walls 16 a-16 d, angled photovoltaic(solar) cells 18 a-18 d on the angled surfaces 16 a-16 d, and a top wall20 containing a top solar cell 22. The housing 12 is waterproof, floatsin pool or spa water, and generates electrical power from sunlight forpowering pool or spa equipment connected to the coupling 24 b. The cord24 a delivers such power from the buoyant housing 12 to the pool or spaequipment. The antenna 26 could allow for wireless communication with ahandheld device and/or central pool/spa control system, as well as ahome LAN, while avoiding issues related to transmitting radiofrequencies underwater. Advantageously, the solar cells 18 a-18 d and 22are positioned so as to maximize exposure to sunlight when the housing12 is floating in a pool or spa. It is noted that the shape of thehousing 12 could be varied, as well as the number and positioning of thesolar cells 18 a-18 d and 22, without departing from the spirit or scopeof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2,showing construction of the power supply 10 of the present invention ingreater detail. As can be seen, the solar cells 18 a, 18 c, and 22 aremounted in corresponding recesses formed in the walls 16 a, 16 c, and20. The solar cells 18 b and 18 d (not shown in FIG. 3) are also mountedin corresponding recesses formed in the walls 16 b and 16 d. The solarcells 18 a-18 d and 22 are waterproof, so as to withstand exposure topool/spa water, as well as rain, without sustaining damage. The solarcells 18 a-18 d and 22 are connected via wires 46 a, 46 c and 48 to aprinted circuit board 40 attached to a bottom wall 30 of the housing 12.Similarly, antenna 26 could be mounted to the top surface 20 tofacilitate the transmission of radio frequencies to the floating powersupply 10 and underwater cleaner. The antenna 26 is connected directlyto the underwater device (e.g., cleaner) via cord 26 a extending throughgrommet 44. In an alternative embodiment, the antenna 26 is connected toprinted circuit board 40 by cord 26 b (e.g., to allow for wirelesscommunications with the printed circuit board 40). The printed circuitboard 40 includes circuitry, discussed below, for delivering power topool/spa equipment and for charging an optional on-board battery 38connected to the printed circuit board 40 via cable 42. Such a battery38, if provided, could be housed within a battery compartment 36 formedin the housing 12 and having a removable, waterproof door 32 (andassociated handle 34). The door 32 could be removable from the housing12, or pivotally connected thereto by way of a hinge. Advantageously,the battery 38 could provide power to pool/spa equipment when the powersupply 10 is not exposed to sunlight, and the battery 38 could becharged by the solar cells 18 a-18 d and 22 when the power supply 10 isexposed to sunlight. This allows the power supply 10 to continue todeliver power to pool/spa equipment in periods of low or no sunlight.The printed circuit board 40 is also connected to the power cord 24 a,for connection to pool/spa equipment. The grommet 44 ensures that awatertight seal is formed between the power cord 24 a, the cord 26 a,and the housing 12.

The peripheral floats 14 a, 14 c include inner chambers 28 a, 28 c whichare filled with air. The floats 14 b, 14 d (not shown in FIG. 3) alsoinclude similar air-filled inner chambers. It is noted that the housing12 could be constructed from a suitable, high-impact plastic material(e.g., ABS plastic), or any other equivalent. Preferably, such materialis resistant to damage from ultraviolet light present in sunlight, andis lightweight. The floats 14 a-14 d could be formed integrally with thewalls 16 a-16 d and 30. In alternate embodiments, the floats 14 a-14 dmay be formed of a material that is inherently buoyant, such as plasticfoams, e.g., polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene. Also, the entirehousing 12 could be manufactured using any suitable manufacturingprocess, including, but not limited to, injection molding.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram, indicated generally at 50, showingcircuitry of the power supply 10 of the present invention. The solarcells 18 a-18 d and 22 are connected in parallel to a voltage or currentregulator integrated circuit (IC) 52, which ensures proper delivery ofelectrical charge to the battery 38. The battery 38 could include arechargeable nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, lithiumpolymer, sealed lead acid, or any other suitable rechargeable battery.Power from the battery 38, or from the solar cells 18 a-18 d and 22, isprovided to pool/spa equipment connected to the coupling 24 b.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the floating power supply 10 of the presentinvention, connected to an underwater electric pool cleaner 62. Thepower supply 10 provides electrical power to the underwater electricpool cleaner 62 via the power cable 24 a, so that the cleaner 62 can beoperated to clean a pool 60. Advantageously, since the power supply 10floats within the pool 60 and can move with the pool cleaner 62 (beingtethered to and “towed” by the pool cleaner 62 when it moves), there isno need to provide a power supply outside of the pool 60 for the poolcleaner or to drape a power cord outside of the pool 60. This reducesthe risk that a person could trip on such objects near the side of thepool 60, and potentially fall into the pool 60. It is noted that thepower supply 10 could be connected to other types of equipment, such asunderwater decorative lighting, a decorative fountain, or other type ofequipment, so as to provide electrical power to same. Also, it is notedthat the pool cleaner 62 could include an onboard rechargeable battery,in which case the power supply 10 need not include such a battery andcharges the rechargeable battery of the pool cleaner 62. The antenna 26allows for remote, wireless command and control of the cleaner 62, e.g.,by way of a handheld wireless remote control unit, a central pool/spacontroller, a local area network, the Internet, etc.

It is noted that the floating power supply 10 can be easily disconnectedfrom a pool cleaner by way of one or more plugs provided on the powercord 24 a that connects the power supply 10 to the cleaner. This allowsfor easy removal and storage of the power supply 10.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the floating powersupply of the present invention, indicated generally at 63. In thisembodiment, the power supply 63 includes on-board surface skimmingfeatures that allow the power supply to clean (“skim”) water in a poolor a spa, in addition to the power functions described above inconnection with FIG. 1-5. Similar to the embodiment discussed above inconnection with FIGS. 1-5, the power supply 63 includes a peripheralfloat 64 and a plurality of photovoltaic (solar) cells 67. A water inlet65 is provided to allow for skimming of pool/spa water, and an internalpump and motor could be provided for powering skimming operations(discussed in greater detail below in connection with FIG. 7). Anoptional debris bag 66 could be provided for trapping skimmed surfacedebris, and could be removably coupled with the power supply 63 topermit easy removal of the bag to periodically clean same. Additionally,similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5, a power cable 68 a andassociated plug 68 b could be provided for connecting the power supply63 to pool/spa equipment (e.g., a pool vacuum).

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the power supply 63, taken alongthe line 7-7 of FIG. 6. As mentioned above, an on-board pump 69 b couldbe provided to create suction for skimming operations, and for divertingskimmed surface debris into the debris bag 66. The pump 69 b couldinclude an electric motor 69 c that powers an impeller 69 d. The pump 69b could be connected to the water inlet 65 by a channel or flexible hose69 a, and could also be connected to a port 69 f by a second channel orflexible hose 69 e. The port 69 f allows for removable coupling of thedebris bag 66 to the power supply 63. Optionally, an on-board debriscompartment 69 g could be provided, thereby obviating the need for thebag 66. In such circumstances, the compartment 69 g could be accessed byway of a door 69 h provided on the power supply 63, to allow forperiodic cleaning/emptying of the compartment 69 g. It is noted that themotor 69 c could be powered by the solar cells 67, and/or by an on-boardbattery provided in the power supply 63.

It also noted that the pump 69 b and associated motor 69 c need not beprovided to perform skimming operations. For example, the water inlet 65could be coupled directly to the debris bag 66 (e.g., by way of achannel or flexible hose). In such circumstances, if the power supply 63is connected to a pool/spa vacuum via the cable 68 a, it will be movedor “dragged” across the surface of the pool or spa as the vacuum moves.When this happens, debris if captured by the water inlet 65 and ischanneled to the debris bag 66 by virtue of the physical movement of thepower supply 63.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the power supply unit 72 of the presentinvention, connected to inductive power coupling couplings 80 installedin the walls of the pool 70. Of course, the couplings 80 could also beinstalled in the floor of the pool 70. The power supply unit 72 provideselectrical power to the inductive power coupling couplings 80 viaconduits 76 a, 76 b. The power supply conduit 76 a connects to the powersupply unit 72 and extends below ground 74. Below ground, the conduit 76b is positioned and connected to the inductive power coupling couplings80, and, optionally, to a buried inductive power conduit and/or cable 76c. Inductive power coupling couplings 80 and inductive powerconduit/cable 76 c function allow for inductive transmission ofelectrical powered from the power supply 72 to an underwater device,such as an underwater pool/spa cleaner.

FIG. 9A-9C are perspective, top, and cross-sectional views,respectively, showing one embodiment of the inductive power coupling 80of the present invention. The coupling 80 includes a housing 82 which isgenerally embedded in a pool or spa wall. The housing 82 defines arecess which receives a corresponding inductive power coupling from apool or spa device, which will be described in greater detail below. Thehousing 82 could be made of a plastic material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or any other sturdy waterproof material that does notinterfere with electrical field transmission, and which is an electricalinsulator. Of course, other materials could be utilized. Attached to theexternal surface of the rear wall of the housing 82 is circuitry housing84. The circuitry housing 84 houses an inductor circuit 88 which allowsfor the inductive transmission of electrical power electrical power. Thehousing 82 defines a cavity allowing for the insertion of acomplementary inductive coupler. Attached to the rear of the housingwall 82 is the circuitry housing 84. Enclosed within the circuitryhousing 84 is a circuit board 86 which includes the inductor circuit 88.Providing power to the inductor circuit 88 is the power conduit 76 b.

FIGS. 10A-10C are perspective, top, and cross-sectional views,respectively, of the complementary inductive coupler 90 of the presentinvention. The coupling 90 includes a housing 94 which is tethered to apool or spa device such as a cleaner. The housing 94 could be made of aplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other sturdy,waterproof material that does not interfere with inductive powertransmission. Attached to the inner surface of the front wall of thehousing 94 is the circuitry housing 96. The circuitry housing 96 housesthe inductor circuit 98 and allows for the power conduit 92 b to supplythe inductor circuit 98 with electrical power. Power cable 92 b runsfrom the pool or spa apparatus, for example pool cleaner, to theinductor circuit 98. The cable 92 b could be encased in a waterproofsheath 92 a.

FIG. 11A-11C are perspective, top, and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of the inductive coupling of thepresent invention, indicated at 180, wherein a flat coupling isprovided. The coupling 180 comprises a flat plate 182 a formed of aplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other sturdywaterproof material that does not interfere with inductive powertransmission. Surrounding the periphery of the plate 182 a is a magneticring 182 b. Optionally, the ring 182 b may be formed of a ferromagneticmetal. When installed, the plate 182 a and magnetic ring 182 b aregenerally bonded to a pool wall or positioned within a pool wall.Attached to the rear surface of the plate 182 a is the circuitry housing184 a. The circuitry housing 184 a houses the inductor circuit 188 andallows for the power conduit 76 b to supply the inductor circuit 188with electrical power. Enclosed within the circuitry housing 184 a is amounting board 186 a which is attached to the inner surface of thecircuitry housing 184 a rear wall.

FIGS. 12A-12C are perspective, top, and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of the complementary inductivecoupling of the present invention, indicated generally at 190. Thecomplementary coupling 190 is tethered to underwater pool/spa equipment,and mates with the coupling 180 of FIGS. 11A-11C. The coupling 190 aincludes a flat plate 194 a formed of a plastic material such aspolyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other sturdy waterproof material thatdoes not interfere with inductive power transmission. Surrounding theperiphery of the plate 194 a is a ferromagnetic metal ring 194 b.Optionally, the ring 194 b may be formed of a magnet. Attached to therear surface of the plate 194 a is the circuitry housing 196, whichhouses the inductor circuit 199 which is connected to a power cable 192connected to underwater pool/spa equipment. The circuit 199 could bemounted to a mounting board 198, as shown.

FIGS. 13A-13B are side views showing operation of the couplings 80, 90and 180, 190, respectively. As can be seen, the couplings allow anunderwater pool/spa device, such as an underwater electric pool/spacleaner 200, to be removably connected to a power source.Advantageously, the couplings 80, 90 and 180, 190 allow for quickconnection and disconnection, and due to their insulated nature, therisk of electric shock is obviated. Moreover, since the couplings havesmooth surfaces, they are easy to clean.

Referring to FIG. 13B, it is noted that a docking area or “station” 197could be provided in a pool or spa, to which area or station thepool/spa cleaner 200 automatically travels and docks to periodicallyrecharge the on-board battery of the pool/spa cleaner. In suchcircumstances, the cable 192 need not be provided. Instead, an inductivecoupling 195 is embedded in a surface of the pool or spa (e.g., in thefloor of the pool as shown in FIG. 13b ), and a corresponding inductivecircuit 194 is provided on-board the cleaner 200. A power cable 196provides electrical energy to the coupling 195. When the cleaner 200detects a low battery condition (e.g., by way of built-in monitoringcircuitry and/or logic), the cleaner 200 automatically navigates to thedocking area 197, such that the inductive circuit 194 is positionedabove the coupling 195 and electrical power is inductively transmittedfrom the coupling 195 to the circuit 194, and the battery is charged bysuch power. It is also noted that a recess could be provided in the wallof the pool or spa, the inductive coupler 195 could be positioned withinthe recess, and the cleaner 200 could navigate to and park itself in therecess to perform periodic charging operations.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing the pool cleaner 200 of FIGS. 13A-13B,wherein the pool cleaner 200 includes an on-board inductive circuit 202which allows for inductive transmission of power from the buriedinductive element 76 c, e.g., conduit/cable, to the cleaner 200. As thecleaner 200 travels along the floor 70 a of the pool, the inductiveelement 76 transmits electrical power to the circuit 202, to power thecleaner 200.

FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the power supply 72in greater detail. The power supply 72 could step down an input voltage106 via transformer 104 to provide power to inductors 114 (which couldbe positioned within the couplings 80, 90). Optionally, the transformer104 could be a step-down transformer (e.g., 120 VAC to 12 VAC), and/orit could be an isolation transformer. Further, the power supply 72 couldinclude a voltage regulator 112 for regulating voltage supplied to theinductors 114. Still further, the power supply 72 could be powered by aninternal battery 108 (e.g., rechargeable nickel cadmium, nickel metalhydride, lithium ion, lithium polymer battery, etc.), and/or via a solararray 110, either (or both) of which could be connected to the inductors114 via voltage regulator 112. The solar array 110 could charge thebattery 108 in periods of sunlight.

FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the inductive circuit202 of the pool cleaner 200 in greater detail, for obtaining power fromthe buried conduit/cable 76 c. An inductor 124 wirelessly receives powerfrom the conduit/cable 76 c, which could supply power to an optionalcharging circuit 122 for charging an on-board battery 120 of the cleaner200. The inductor 124 could also power a controller 126 and a motor 128of the cleaner 200. When the cleaner is not being used, it could be“parked” in proximity to the buried cable/conduit 76 c, so that theinductor 124 wirelessly receives power from the cable/conduit 76 c andcharges the battery 120. When the battery 120 is charged, the cleaner200 could operate at any location within the pool. Also, the controller126 could include embedded logic which automatically detects when thebattery 120 is low, and automatically navigates the cleaner 200 towardthe conduit/cable 76 c so that power is inductively obtained from theconduit/cable 76 c to charge the battery 120.

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of the presentinvention, indicated generally at 250, wherein inductive power couplingsare provided in an existing plumbing fixture, e.g., suction port 252 andpipe 254, in a pool or spa 256. This arrangement is particularlyadvantageous as a “retrofit” solution for existing pools or spas.Conventional operation of the suction port 252 and pipe 254 can bedisabled, and the port 252 and pipe 254 are instead used to deliverelectrical power. As shown in FIG. 17, a first inductive coupling 258 ais mounted within the suction port 252, and an electrical cable 262 is“pulled” through the pipe 254 and subsequently connected (e.g., at anequipment pad) to a power supply circuit (e.g., that steps power downfrom 120 volts A.C. to 12 volts A.C.). The coupling 258 a could beretained in place by way of a friction fit, a snap fit, gluing, etc., orin any other suitable fashion. A corresponding inductive coupling 258 bis sized and shaped to be removably received by the port 252, andelectrical power is inductively transmitted from the coupling 258 a tothe coupling 258 b when the coupling 258 b is positioned within the port252. A cable 260 connects the coupling 258 b to pool/spa equipment(e.g., to a pool cleaner), and transfers electrical power to same. It isnoted that the arrangement shown in FIG. 17 could also be applied toother types of outlets existing in a pool or spa, and operation of suchoutlets (including the suction port 252 and pipe 254) may be active andneed not be disabled. In other words, the inductive couplings could bepositioned within such outlets but need not form a seal, so that watercan still flow around the couplings, thereby permitting normal operationof such outlets.

It is noted that the inductive power couplings discussed herein could beutilized to provide power to pool/spa equipment not only for poweringoperation of these devices, but also to charge any on-board batteriesthat may be provided in such devices. Further, the inductive powercouplings could be configured so as to change voltage levels. Forexample, an inductive coupling embedded in a wall of a pool or a spacould receive electricity at a first voltage (e.g., 120 volts A.C.), anda corresponding coupling could deliver power to a device in a pool or aspa at a different voltage level (e.g., 12 volts A.C.). This could beachieved by different numbers of wire “turns” provided in the couplings,such that the two couplings, when positioned near each other, functionas an electrical transformer.

Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understoodthat the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit orscope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power supply for powering pool or spaequipment, comprising: a power supply unit external to a pool or a spa;a first inductive power coupling at the pool or spa and including aninductor circuit, said first inductive power coupling in electricalcommunication with the power supply unit; a second inductive powercoupling including an inductor circuit, said second inductive powercoupling positionable proximate to said first inductive power coupling,wherein the inductor circuit of the first power coupling inductivelytransmits power from the power supply unit to the inductor circuit ofthe second inductive power coupling for powering a device in a pool orspa connected to the second inductive power coupling; and a cableconnected at a first end to the device and at a second end to the secondinductive power coupling such that the second inductive power couplingis detached from the device, the cable delivering electrical power tothe device and permitting movement of the device relative to said firstand second inductive power couplings while said second inductive powercoupling is positioned proximate to said first inductive power coupling.2. The power supply of claim 1, wherein the first inductive powercoupling includes a housing defining a cavity for receiving the secondinductive power coupling.
 3. The power supply of claim 2, wherein thesecond inductive power coupling is configured to be inserted into thehousing of the first inductive power coupling.
 4. The power supply ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second inductive power couplings are flatplates, each including means for releasably securing the inductive powercouplings to each other.
 5. The power supply of claim 4, wherein themeans for releasably securing the inductive power couplings to eachother are magnetic.
 6. The power supply of claim 1, wherein the deviceis a pool cleaning device.
 7. The power supply of claim 6, wherein thepool cleaning device includes a rechargeable battery rechargeable by thepower supply unit.
 8. The power supply of claim 1, wherein the powersupply unit comprises one or more of an A/C power supply, a battery, ora solar array.
 9. The power supply of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond inductive power couplings operate as a transformer for changingone voltage level to a different voltage level.
 10. A power supply forpowering pool or spa equipment, comprising: a power supply unit externalto a pool or spa; a first inductive power coupling including an inductorcircuit, said first inductive power coupling in electrical communicationwith the power supply unit and positionable in a pipe of a pool or aspa; a second inductive power coupling including an inductor circuit,said second inductive power coupling positionable proximate to saidfirst inductive power coupling, wherein the inductor circuit of thefirst power coupling inductively transmits power from the power supplyunit to the inductor circuit of the second inductive power coupling forpowering a device in a pool or spa connected to the second inductivepower coupling and a cable connected at a first end to the device and ata second end to the second inductive power coupling such that the secondinductive power coupling is external to the device, the cable deliveringelectrical power to the device and permitting movement of the devicerelative to said first and second inductive power couplings while saidsecond inductive power coupling is positioned proximate to said firstinductive power coupling.
 11. The power supply of claim 10, wherein thepipe includes a suction port.
 12. The power supply of claim 11, whereinthe second inductive power coupling is sized and shaped to be insertedinto the suction port.
 13. The power supply of claim 10, wherein thefirst inductive power coupling includes a housing defining a cavity forreceiving the second inductive power coupling.
 14. The power supply ofclaim 13, wherein the second inductive power coupling is configured tobe inserted into the housing of the first inductive power coupling. 15.The power supply of claim 10, wherein the first and second inductivepower couplings are flat plates, each including means for releasablysecuring the inductive power couplings to each other.
 16. The powersupply of claim 15, wherein the means for releasably securing theinductive power couplings to each other are magnetic.
 17. The powersupply of claim 10, wherein the device is a pool cleaning device. 18.The power supply of claim 17, wherein the pool cleaning device includesa rechargeable battery rechargeable by the power supply unit.
 19. Thepower supply of claim 10, wherein the power supply unit comprises one ormore of an A/C power supply, a battery, or a solar array.
 20. The powersupply of claim 10, wherein the first and second inductive powercouplings operate as a transformer for changing one voltage level to adifferent voltage level.